Whaaatt? Congressman Claims Federal Funds Not Ours?

Michigan Congressman Knollenberg appeared on Fox News with Neil Cavuto yesterday to discuss the possible bailout of the Big 3 American automakers.

During the interview with the Republican from Michigan, Cavuto gave a list of industries that could come to Congress making the case for them to receive government help. "Where do you draw the line with our money?"

"It is not your money," said Knollenberg.

Knollenberg went on to blame a credit freeze as the reason for the Big 3's financial crisis. Knollenberg claims that making credit more available would resolve this issue, but a $25 billion dollar bailout would keep the companies alive until the credit freeze ended.

In September, Congress passed a bill to loan $25 billion to the Big 3 with the checks scheduled to start flowing in 2009....

Knollenberg is a Republican, albeit a RINO. Democrat, Independent or Republican; this shows the problem with our boys and girls in Washington. Too many of them have lost sight of the fact that the federal budget and all the tons of money they spend IS our money.

They've lost sight of the fact that they work for US, and not the other way around (yet!).

Additionally, this is exactly why so many Republicans have gotten totally fed up with the party. Why so many are separating from it, and withholding financial support. We've long supported the idea of a "big tent" party, but that pertained to the social aspects and not the core governmental values.

The ultimate irony is that the financial crisis, the credit crisis, the total economy mess has actually stemmed primarily from the very same bureaucrats who now raise their pitchforks and torches and storm the fortress of capitalism. They seek to destroy the companies and industries who have prospered, and to uphold and support those who have shown nothing but stupidity in their business model.

GM, as Congressman Knollenberg says, has really led the way in shifting their product to meet the growing demand for more environmentally friendly and energy efficient vehicles. And yes, they are suffering in part from the current tight credit market.

That being the case, it would seem that Congress should focus on getting the Treasury to do what they've already authorized, and get that money into the system.